Azpilicueta knows there’s only one way to get to used to Sarri’s methods

There is a lot of hard work to be done at Chelsea, Cesar Azpilicueta believes.

The players have been trying to get used to new manager Maurizio Sarri’s style of play, but have only had a few weeks to train together, while some World Cup players have been on an extended break.

“Well, what I can say is that from the first day we are working hard and we are working as a team,’ Azpilicueta told chelseafc.com.

“He knows what he wants and he explains it to us. We have to replicate what he wants and the only way is to keep working in every training session, every game, to try to reach that.”

Chelsea lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Community Shield and have one more pre-season friendly to play, against Lyon, before the Premier League season begins at Huddersfield on 11 August with the defender telling supporters the best way to bounce back is to head to Yorkshire and try and nab all three points.

“We wanted to finish the [Community Shield] with a trophy and we weren’t able to do that so obviously we are disappointed and we have to come back strong in the Premier League,” Azpilicueta continued.

“We knew we were facing the best team in England last year, who broke every record. We have been working for the last few weeks in the best way possible to try to face them but we weren’t able to do it and we have to keep on improving.

“The first target is Saturday against Huddersfield. We can’t think ahead of that. After being out of the Champions League we have to be focused, we have to go game by game to keep improving and then we will see how far we can go.

“I trust in this team, I believe in what we are doing and the only way is to look forward.”